NDA Nominates CP Radhakrishnan for Vice President; Opposition Reacts with Mixed Responses
On Sunday, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) announced Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan as its official candidate for the upcoming Vice Presidential election. The declaration drew a variety of responses from opposition leaders, reflecting both recognition of his qualifications and a call for internal consultations before making a final decision.
Speaking to reporters, Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav remarked,
“The Vice President’s post is vacant. There used to be a Vice President — where is he now? A new one will be elected, and that’s a good thing. As for our decision, we will sit together and decide.”
When asked about Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s potential role in building consensus, Akhilesh said,
“Rajnath Singh is a senior leader from Uttar Pradesh and also the Defence Minister. If he initiates dialogue, we will respond accordingly. But the direction of our decision will become clear only after the INDIA alliance discusses the matter.”
Senior SP leader Ram Gopal Yadav emphasized the importance of consensus for constitutional positions, stating,
“For key posts like President, Vice President, or Speaker, consensus is always better. We don’t have full details yet, but we believe people from South India are capable and competent.”Shiv Sena (UBT) Highlights Radhakrishnan’s Administrative Experience
Priyanka Chaturvedi, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP, acknowledged Radhakrishnan’s administrative background:
“He has served as Governor of Maharashtra for the past year, previously held the Governor’s post in Jharkhand, and was also an MP. If elected, I hope the dignity of this office will be fully restored — because we’ve seen it diminished in recent times. As for the INDIA alliance, a joint decision will be taken collectively.”
Her party colleague Sanjay Raut echoed similar sentiments but cautioned that larger political issues still loom:
“CP Radhakrishnan is certainly the Governor of Maharashtra and a balanced personality. If he becomes Vice President, we would be happy — but there will be an election. The INDIA bloc will decide — I cannot say what that decision will be. However, we will discuss it today. But the bigger issue right now is the alleged voter fraud. We don’t want to let this issue get sidelined.”
Congress Criticizes NDA’s Choice, Calls Radhakrishnan “Another RSS Man”
Congress MP Manickam Tagore sharply criticized the NDA’s choice, referring to Radhakrishnan as “another RSS man.” He argued that after the Prime Minister and Lok Sabha Speaker, yet another key institution is at risk, suggesting this election is also about preserving democratic structures.
Tagore wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“Vice President of India — after the Prime Minister and the Lok Sabha Speaker… yet another institution. Another battle to protect what’s left. Let’s hope Bharat decides wisely.”
A clear contest is expected between NDA’s CP Radhakrishnan and an as-yet-unnamed candidate from the INDIA bloc, making the Vice Presidential race another key political showdown.
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